Whenever I leave town these days, I now include an assortment of electronic gadgets and corresponding chargers on my packing list.

It seems that list has gotten exponentially more complicated as devices multiply within families: Parents and their children carry some combination of mobile phones, iPods, cameras, tablets, electronic readers and gaming devices. All require their own chargers; many come with headphones.

If you're willing, I have one more device to add to your list of gadgets to manage — a portable travel charger. I have tried out Fatcat's PowerBar and a 2011 version of New Trent's super external battery and found them to be very helpful on days when I know I will be away from a power source for an extended period of time.

Most recently, the people of Fatcat asked me to try out their PowerBar 4200mAh Travel Charger. I took this one to a football game, knowing I would be draining my battery by using my phone extensively that day.

The PowerBar, which costs about $60 to $70, is small and works with most devices. I liked the fact it came in its own pouch, with a single cord and multiple attachments. It fit easily into my purse and I charged it before the game using a computer's USB port.

To use the PowerBar to charge a gadget or to recharge itself, you have to find the right configuration of tips and cords, a relatively easy puzzle.